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Santa needs some help

Posted Dec 7, 2009 by Beth Gaddis

Updated Dec 8, 2009 at 11:52 AM

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View more photos from last year.

Dozens of terminally ill children in Manatee County will get a treat when Santa Claus flies in this Thursday.  But Santa needs some help.  He’s still trying to raise all the money needed to buy the children the gifts on their wish lists.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is seeking donations to make this a special day for almost 80 children and their families. Donors can send checks or drop off cash at the office, 600 301 Boulevard West, Suite 202 in Bradenton.

The 25th annual “Flight to the North Pole” takes place Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sarasota/Bradenton Airport Fire Department.  Each child will receive a stuffed bear while clowns entertain them with balloons and antics.  A school chorus will perform holiday songs and McDonalds is donating Happy Meals to the children and their families.

Sidney Ettedgui with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office has been putting on the program since it began in 1985.  “The only reason I do it is to see the eyes of the children light up when they see Santa and the gifts they receive.  It makes it all worth it,” he says.

This year’s wish lists include requests for Barbie and Dora the Explorer dolls, video games, a chance to swim with dolphins and games of skill including one request from a child who wants the game, “Operation.”

The children range in age from one to 16 years old.  For more information, please call Sidney Ettedgui at (941) 747-3011, ext. 2581.

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